Tips for first dr visit and tests/appt schedules

I was asked by @colleenyoung to post some info I shared in another group. When you go for your initial visit if you are on a timeline and have to leave on a certain date be sure to tell the first dr you visit with. They still might not be able to get everything they want done, but at least they will know and if there are some tests or appts more important then others hopefully they’d be able to schedule those first. While not ideal I would say most tests can be done elsewhere (such as at home dr/hospital) if absolutely necessary and results sent back to mayo drs. Just remember you have options and ask what they are or even suggest ones and see what happens. My second tip is be sure that when you get your schedule of tests and appts you can always go to the desk the appt is scheduled for and see if you can get it moved up. I had tests over 4 days and got them all done in 1 1/2 days. I was able to get a dr appt moved up and freed up a whole day which that dr then added a bunch more testing so I was glad I had gotten things done to free up that day. There is a patient education center in the subway past the cafeteria that I never found time to go to, but really wish I would have.

I would just like to add; In Rochester we have a “checker desk” located in the Gonda lobby and admissions area where patients can talk with a representative, discuss what appointments they would like to get into early and the checker desk does the calling to rearrange the patients schedule. This is strictly for consultation not testing. Also, please keep in mind that not all departments accept checkers but the majority do.

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

hello, the first time my husband and I went to the mayo i couldnt believe how huge the campus was. Getting there was simple. The Hi-way was clearly marked as to which way to go. There was plenty of hotels to choose from and most of them offered free shuttles to the Mayo so you could choose not to drive. When you get inside the mayo clinic there were people asking if you need help finding your Doctor appointments. This was great for my husband and i since it was our first time there. Sometimes we would arrive early for my appointment and asked if we could get in a little earlier. Most of the time they said yes and our day went by a little shorter. My three days of testing went very smooth. I had day surgery while i was there and everyone was so helpful and nice. I guess i didnt need to be scared at all as to what to expect. everything went very well. Thanks a lot, Trudy

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

@jamienolsen My husband has a transplant evaluation scheduled at the Jax Mayo Clinic beginning April 3rd. Do you now if there is a concierge phone number/email at the Jax location such as you described. We were told our appointment date and to plan to be there up to 3 weeks! We are on a waiting list for Gabriel House but they will not let us know if we have a room until the day prior and suggested we make other lodging arrangements. I was so surprised that we were told to make arrangements for up to 3 weeks. Is that normal? In addition, our insurance co will reimburse travel/lodging up to $5,000 but say they have to have it from the doctor/medical center and it has to be approved ahead of time. Not sure how to get that accomplished. Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

hello, the first time my husband and I went to the mayo i couldnt believe how huge the campus was. Getting there was simple. The Hi-way was clearly marked as to which way to go. There was plenty of hotels to choose from and most of them offered free shuttles to the Mayo so you could choose not to drive. When you get inside the mayo clinic there were people asking if you need help finding your Doctor appointments. This was great for my husband and i since it was our first time there. Sometimes we would arrive early for my appointment and asked if we could get in a little earlier. Most of the time they said yes and our day went by a little shorter. My three days of testing went very smooth. I had day surgery while i was there and everyone was so helpful and nice. I guess i didnt need to be scared at all as to what to expect. everything went very well. Thanks a lot, Trudy

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

Great question- Thank you for posting. Typically after your initial consultation you will have a better idea of what testing will be ordered for you.

I would like to introduce you to @clockrem12, at Concierge Services. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached by phone and email at 507-538-8438 or concierge@mayo.edu. Many times patients do not know their departure dates and concierge services may have suggestions to help you facilitate this. They can help guide your travel arrangements by providing you information about lodging, flight, ground transportation and more as well. Please feel free to reach out to them.

Also, If your appointments are scheduled beyond the 3-5 day mark due to availability please know that we have what we call our “Checker desk”. They are located in the Gonda Building at Admissions and Business services, window 17 and 18. Here they will help guide you with your appointment schedule.

Please feel free to reply with any other questions you may have about your visit.

Hi @bamagirlgina. I think I would start with the physician that is going to be evaluating you. If you call the secretary to that physician and explain how your reimbursement works, maybe the Doctor would be willing to write a letter pre-arrival? Something to check into.

The appointment coordinators at Mayo are given a timeline from the physicians for Transplant patients that encompass the length of evaluation, hence the 3 week mark. It may or may not take that long but they ask that you are prepared to stay that length of time.

@clockrem12-Chelsea, can you attest to Florida having a concierge service? I was able to find information on the medallion program but I believe this differs from the concierge services offered in Rochester.

@bamagirlgina– let us know what you find out about your stay in FL and check out the link that Colleen gave you on lodging. I hope that helps!

Have been a patient for 13 years and travel for out of state. Always impressed with the attention to detail, signage, and positive energy. Lots of volunteers to guide you along the way. Stop in the chapel or walk the labyrinth.

@gwenm, I would like to extend a welcome and to thank you for sharing. With 13 years of travel and visits, I feel pretty sure that you really do know your way around!
I travel to the Rochester Mayo, and I know the location of the chapel, but am unaware of the labyrinth. If you go to Rochester, can you tell me where it is?
Or, would tell us which Mayo location do you visit?
Rosemary

@gwenm, I would like to extend a welcome and to thank you for sharing. With 13 years of travel and visits, I feel pretty sure that you really do know your way around!
I travel to the Rochester Mayo, and I know the location of the chapel, but am unaware of the labyrinth. If you go to Rochester, can you tell me where it is?
Or, would tell us which Mayo location do you visit?
Rosemary

Hi Rosemary, I go to Mayo in Rochester too! I’m go there for a series of tests every few years for a heart condition. The labyrinth is embedded in the floor in the chapel. I think I’m recalling that right! I also enjoy sitting in Gonda atrium listening to the live music. Gwen